Ohio State’s Infectious Diseases Institute renewed as UN AMR international reference center

The United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has renewed The Ohio State University Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) as an International Reference Centre for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The IDI is the only institution in the Pan-American region to receive this prestigious designation and is one of only eight FAO AMR reference centers designated worldwide.

AMR is recognized as a global health emergency because many antibiotics are no longer effective in treating life-threatening bacterial infections.

IDI was first achieved this designation in 2020 in recognition of the global impact of the university’s comprehensive clinical, research and education programs addressing antimicrobial use, resistance and stewardship. Basic and translational research in the IDI AMR community identifies interventions to prevent emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in people and other animals using a One Health approach.

Based upon the quality of contributions made by the IDI to assist FAO in its mission of providing authoritative advice to its members, with guidance provided by IDI AMR thematic program faculty leaders, reference center status has been renewed through 2028.

Ohio State’s offices of Legal Affairs and Advancement assisted in the renewal process.